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Sep
Are Clear Aligners Better than Metal Braces?
Straightening your grin can be exciting, especially if you’ve lived long with crooked teeth. However, the thought of wearing metal hardware on your teeth can quickly dampen your spirits. That’s where clear aligner therapy comes in! Instead of metal braces, you’ll use a series of customized plastic aligners to straighten your grin. These FAQs from our patients at Acton Dental Associates in Acton, Massachusetts, explain more about clear aligner orthodontics.
How does clear aligner therapy work?
Drs. Erich Kronenwett and Eric Block will evaluate your teeth to see if you’re a good candidate for clear aligner therapy. If so, we’ll plan a treatment plan for your orthodontic needs. Using digital technology, we will create a series of clear, thermoplastic aligners for your use. These aligners will pressure your teeth to shift them into alignment slowly. You’ll change to a new set of aligners every few weeks to keep up the momentum of straightening your grin until your smile goals have been reached.Â
Are clear aligners better than braces?
Both braces and clear aligners are effective in straightening crooked teeth. Clear aligner therapy offers perks that make this treatment easier to bear. You won’t have to wear metal hardware on your teeth! The smooth plastic braces also have no metal parts to irritate your gums or cheeks. For your convenience, the aligners can be removed to eat and brush your teeth. This makes meals more enjoyable and keeps your teeth fresh and clean. Clear aligners are also less noticeable on your teeth, making your procedure more discreet. Clear aligners work well on most orthodontic issues. Severe problems with malocclusion, however, may require metal braces to correct.
Call Our Office for More Information
New Patients: (978) 881-5826 | Existing Patients: (978) 263-3526 Request an Appointment
How long do clear aligner treatments last?
No two patients are exactly alike in terms of their orthodontic needs. Therefore, there’s no set time frame for completing your treatment. Minor gap issues, for example, may take less than six months to correct, while problems with your bite or overcrowding may take over a year. On average, most people wear their aligners for 12 to 18 months. Wearing your aligners for 20 to 22 hours daily will help speed up your treatment.
How do I keep my aligners clean?
Your aligners will pick up food and debris on your teeth, so brushing and flossing after every meal is essential. You can also gently brush your aligners and rinse them whenever you take them off for meals. You should remove the aligners when drinking coffee, tea, or soda to avoid staining.Â
What happens at the end of my treatment?
Once your treatment is complete, you’ll have a beautiful new smile you can proudly showcase! We will also give you a retainer to wear at night to keep your pearly whites in their straightened position long-term.Â
Where can I go for clear aligner teeth straightening near me?
To learn more about our clear aligner treatments, contact Dr. Erich Kronenwett or Dr. Eric Block from Acton Dental Associates at (978) 881-5826.Â
Dr. Erich F. Kronenwett
Dr. Eric M. Block